reasoning

noun

rea·​son·​ing ˈrēz-niŋ 

ˈrē-zᵊn-iŋ

1

: the use of reason

especially : the drawing of inferences or conclusions through the use of reason

2

: an instance of the use of reason : argument

Synonyms of reasoning

• logic
• reason

Examples of reasoning in a Sentence

Could you explain your reasoning?

They told everyone the reasoning behind the decision.

a conclusion based on fallacious reasoning

Humans possess the power of reasoning.

Recent Examples on the Web

Some firms now require employees to document their own reasoning before querying AI and flag where the two diverge, turning a usage log into an actual signal of judgment. — Juliette Han, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026

Sol also introduces a new maximum reasoning mode that gives the model more time to solve complex tasks. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 June 2026

Opponents argue that reasoning leaves consumers with fewer avenues to seek compensation. — Christiana Freitag, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026

In a post on Facebook on Monday from Manny’s, owner Danny Lopez started by explaining his reasoning for adding an automatic 18% gratuity for less than two weeks into the World Cup. — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 25 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reasoning

• line of reasoning

Rhymes for reasoning

• seasoning

Kids Definition

reasoning

noun

rea·​son·​ing

1

: the use of reason

2

: the reasons used in and the proofs that result from thought : argument